South Callaway board increases budget for staff Christmas party

MOKANE — The South Callaway R-2 Board of Education Wednesday night decided to increase the amount spent for the district’s staff Christmas dinner party from $2,500 to not more than $4,000.

Discussion of the spending came after board member Susan Ward had urged the board to reduce spending below $2,500, which had been the limit for previous years. She had contended the use of district tax money should be tightened and spending should be reduced below $2,500 if possible. She noted that last year $2,756 was spent on the dinner party.

Superintendent Mary Lynn Battles said she believed the party was important for staff morale. Battles said the dinner party is the only time of the year when the entire district staff gets together. “The food service staff also participates. We have the event catered so food service employees don’t have to cook but can enjoy the event,” Battles said.